Absolute Sustainability: Diamond Head Development Embarks on First Legacy Project

Nestled in the coastal mountains, where the glacial-silted waters of Squamish River meet the Pacific Ocean, is one of the most spectacular places in British Columbia. Squamish has earned its reputation as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada” attracting visitors from around the world with its eco-tourism offerings, while providing the backdrop for a number of media works, and drawing many notable residents.

The Squamish Nation band government
controls lands in the Squamish territory and among those residing in Squamish,
there is a belief in all pillars of sustainability—environmental responsibility, social equity,
economic health, and cultural vitality. The District of Squamish is currently focused
on sustainable development and has a renewed emphasis on education. One local
business of particular note is Diamond Head Development, whose most recent
project, Skyridge, aligns with the key tenants of sustainability, the strategic
priority areas of the District of Squamish, and the company’s commitment to the
environment.

Careful
planning and deliberation went into the development plan to ensure the creation
of an inclusive, environmentally responsible neighbourhood, with dedicated park
space and access to amenities.

To encourage
the development of an inclusive community, a broad mix of housing types is in
the plan, intended to attract a range of residents and address the various
housing needs of the community. The mix of single family homes, duplexes,
townhomes, and condominiums will be certified through Built Green Canada—a
national organization that sustainably-minded residential builders work with. This
project is the largest ever BUILT GREEN® certified multi-family development in
Squamish.

Built Green’s
certification takes a holistic approach to sustainability to address energy
efficiency, materials and methods, indoor air quality, ventilation, waste
management, water conservation, and business practices. The certification includes
two vital components: an EnerGuide label and a Built Green seal. For those homebuyers
purchasing a duplex or townhouse, their home will be built to a Gold level
certification and an upgrade to Platinum will be available for both of these
housing types.

Key benefits
of a sustainably built home include savings in operating costs, mortgage loan insurance
rebates, fewer fix-its due to improved durability, and an increase in market
and resale value of close to 10 per cent. These homes are also more comfortable
and offer a healthier environment, all of which contribute to the homeowners’
quality of life. Even home cleaning is addressed through air quality—with
improved ventilation, airborne particles are better filtered out, including
dust and allergens.

The Diamond
Head team took sustainability a step further by prioritizing the cultural vitality
of the community. First, they ensured the allocation of dedicated park space in
the community with connections to surrounding trail systems and future plans to
connect to the popular Jack’s Trail. The trail systems contribute to a more walkable community and more
active lifestyles. Second, the team partnered with Squamish Montessori Society to build the Squamish
Montessori Elementary School and Daycare. The Montessori philosophy of
providing children with a global understanding of their place in their world is
fitting for a community focused on inclusivity and environmental stewardship. The
announcement of this marks the beginning of a legacy project for the district
and reinforces the value Diamond Head and Squamish place on education—for
Diamond Head, this will be the first in a series of legacy projects. Third, they
donated $500,000 to the District of Squamish for Skyridge reflecting their
commitment and belief in the development of this community.

Diamond
Head Development has been constructing environmentally-friendly homes
in the Sea to Sky corridor for over a decade. There are many measures of
sustainability, and their approach to the Skyridge community reflects an
integrated, fully realized commitment.

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